Uhuru, Ruto launch Sh3bn IDP re-settlement

September 7, 2013 11:55 am

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By PSCU, President Uhuru Kenyatta listens to an elderly woman who lives in an IDP camp during the launch of the cash payment program/PSCUMAI MAHIU, Kenya, Sep 7 – President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto have reached out to all Kenyans with a message of peace, as they launched a Sh3.2 billion cash payment programme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The President and the Deputy President said Kenyans should live together peacefully as united people ready to chart their own destiny.

The two leaders spoke at Mai Mahiu IDP Camp in Naivasha. The launch kicked off the closure of all IDP camps in the country which is set to be concluded by September 20. Each IDP household will receive Sh400,000.

The President and his deputy urged Kenyans join hands in ensuring that the 2007/2008 post-election violence will never again be witnessed in the country.

“We all have a duty to ensure that politically-instigated violence and destruction of property does not happen in our country again. That is possible if we live and work together in harmony,” the leaders said.

President Kenyatta called on the public to shun divisive politics and tribalism, terming them “major stumbling blocks” to the country’s quest for transformation and rapid development.

“Let us all resolve to put aside hatred, divisive politics and tribalism. That way we will be able to transform our country and achieve our development goals,” President Kenyatta said.

He thanked Kenyans for upholding peace during the last General Election and urged them to continue in the same spirit, saying that way the country’s development agenda will be realized.

“Kenyans did the country proud by going to the polls peacefully and elected their leaders without violence. That should be our trend in politics,” the President said.

He advised the IDPs to ensure they get title deeds for their land and utilize the Sh400,000 each household was receiving prudently to uplift their living standards.

Deputy President Ruto said together with the President they have resolved to unite all Kenyans and will not allow divisive politics to undermine that agenda.

“As leaders, our first job is to unite Kenyans and work towards improving the country. The way to transform Kenya is to have people live together transcending tribal and religious boundaries. We will not relent in that endeavour,” the Deputy President said.

He noted that by conducting a peaceful election, Kenyans ushered in a new era of hope that will transform the country.

“This new era has proved to the world that Kenya is able to manage its political affairs peacefully,” he said.

He said the journey to transform Kenya has begun and will not end until the lives of Kenyans are improved, saying unity and peace are critical ingredients in achieving that goal.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru said her ministry has finalized measures to have all IDP camps closed by September 20 as directed by President Kenyatta.